Gayest & Greatest 2018: Community

Krewe of Olympus among nation’s largest LGBTQ Mardi Gras groups.

The Krewe of Olympus, which originated in New Orleans, is part social group and part charitable organization.

“The original founders in 1970 decided to create a gay Mardi Gras Krewe that would present a ball that was much more fun and had more outstanding costumes,” says Bill Jones-Walters, co-founder of the Houston-based Krewe of Olympus-Texas, Inc.

He and his partner, Ben Jones-Walters, have been mainstays with the Houston organization since they created it in 1991. The New Orleans Krewe of Olympus, one of the largest predominantly gay Mardi Gras organizations in the United States, is preparing to celebrate its 49th ball. The principal goals of the Krewe are to promote theatrical and educational events that continue Mardi Gras traditions, and raise money for community charities. This year, the beneficiaries of the Texas Krewe’s generosity are the Montrose Center, Texas United Charities, and PWA Holiday Charities.

“We are so extremely honored, and thank the OutSmart voters,” Ben says. “I think they selected us because the Krewe does its best to bring something valuable, fun, and entertaining to the Houston community.”

Over the years, costumes at the ball have become a favorite tradition among members. The balls have themes and gender-nonspecific kings and queens. This year, the theme will be Cocktail Culture, and you never know how that will be interpreted. Ben says one of his favorite things about the Krewe is “the overwhelming joy of creating fantastic costumes for others to present at the ball.”

On October 14, the Krewe will host the Bitchy Witchy Brunch at the Montrose Center. The group also has a First Friday Happy Hour each month, and the Jones-Walterses said anyone who wants to get involved should visit their website, KreweOfOlympus.org, or email [email protected].

“While we are a predominantly gay organization, we are open to anyone who wants to be part of who and what we are,” Bill says. “People can also attend our events throughout the year and get to know us.”